With Arsenal and Manchester City eliminated in midweek, Spurs facing an exit in Lisbon and Manchester United needing to overhaul a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Olympiakos, Chelsea could be English football’s last European representatives by the end of next week.

Mourinho said: “I don’t understand why City have to play Hull this weekend when they do. I don’t understand it.

“I don’t understand why a team who comes from Europe on Wednesday must play 12.45 on Saturday, or why Galatasaray can play on the Friday night but we are the late game on the Saturday.

“There is something in this country that goes outside my understanding. It’s not my problem. I have to risk Yaya Toure telling me to shut up?

“But why did City have to play Wigan last Sunday, when Barca played on Saturday?

“It looks like people don’t care that English teams are struggling in Europe.”

And Mourinho says that while he understands that television companies play a role in dictating how the fixtures are spread out, he feels that consultation with players and others can result in the best for all concerned.

"If we played on Friday night, 7:45, it makes a difference to who? Less spectators at Villa Park? I don't think so. It'd be a full house, the same," added the Portuguese.

"And for television? It wouldn't make a difference. If it was the only match on TV, the [audience] share would be fantastic.

"Would it be good for Chelsea? Yes. Would it be good for English football? Yes."